The real question is: Will Geno agree with you or will the UConn Coaching staff think any of those available through transfer or in the case of LA tech be desirable for UConn??It appears at least one and possible all of the LaTech 2016 recruits has/will request release - the school is delaying granting requests until a new coach is named or at least the interim coach gets back from outside the country. Who knows what will happen with the players on the team currently.
I think there is probably more publicity associated with WCBB transfers that previously, and there have been a lot more high profile transfers - partly fueled tobacco road - the UNC debacle and whatever is happening at Duke. Of currently reported transfers Stevens is the only absolute blue chip player. White never got on track in SC and Romeo is a solid starter.
Smart move/choice!! But I should have expected nothing less.Instead of 50 different threads, I thought we'd have just one.
The real question is: Will Geno agree with you or will the UConn Coaching staff think any of those available through transfer or in the case of LA tech be desirable for UConn??
Personally there is a BIG out there I would like to see in a Uconn Uniform--but that is ME not Geno!!!
Natalie Romeo denies Yori allegations, gets permission to transfer; another Husker looking at schools, Omaha.com
Stevens, Salvadores leaving Duke women's basketball program, Duke Chronicle
Jatarie White to transfer from USC women’s basketball program, Charleston Post Courier
South Carolina’s Kaydra Duckett to transfer, The State
Ivana Jakubcova To Transfer From UK Women’s Basketball, Lex 18
Two [Minnesota] women's basketball players to seek transfer, Minnesota Daily
Azura Stevens would be just a wonder fit for UConn......I can't imagine Geno and Co wouldn't be interested in her transfering in...I know that it's kind of a long shot but I just hope she feels the same way
We've all heard Geno and CD talk about high school players being more and more entitled and less coachable. As I read the article, I thought, This could have been Geno they're complaining about--expecting them to go all out at practice and benching them if they don't. The difference is that he gets the Big Three and Connie Yori doesn't.Thanks for starting this thread.
Interesting info in the Natalie Romeo article. What a horrible experience to have to go through. She and the practice player make it sound like this was a case of entitled and uncoachable players.
Agreed. I understand Geno's posture on transfers. BUT...If he does not have a "legitimate" post player in the tubes, poised to step into the "on deck" circle, then he may want to seriously consider approaching her to ascertain if there is any interest in her coming to Storrs. Her athletic qualifications are impeccable. She's an experienced blue chip post player looking for a new home. Coming from Duke, her scholastic aptitude will be above reproach. I agree that getting Stevens would be a short term solution to the void the huskies have at the post position, Natalie Butler not withstanding. Think of where UConn would be next year if Butler had not transferred in.
Stevens would only play one year with Natalie with the transfer rules - it is not a vote of no confidence, but a succession plan albeit a one year succession plan. She is a great player, who wouldn't listen if she wanted to come to their school regardless of who else is on the roster.wow - some of you folks are so ready to throw Natalie Butler under the bus (with regard to Stevens). I'm sure Auriemma isn't, thankfully. I gotta believe he means it when he says he is looking forward to the challenge of grooming his current roster into a Final Four caliber team in the coming seasons. That would include developing Butler to her fullest potential, much as he did with Steph Dolson. What kind of message does it send to her for him to bring in a high profile "mercenary" as the starting post. The "UConn Way" doesn't strike me as embracing such 'short lease' tactics. Butler, of course, is a transfer herself, but she came aboard with enough eligible seasons (3) for her to develop in the full UConn system. I would think Auriemma would show some commitment to her. She's no Azurra Stevens, but she is the one Auriemma brought to the dance.
Hey Samanthabrown3 - You nailed it. In addition, the press also has complaints against Geno and some might say his negative motivation methods are questionable. Also, his repetitive drills could be brought up for discussion. Geno saw the handwriting on the wall years ago. Geno & CD stated many times that there are less and less recruits that fill the complete list of UConn requirements. IMHO that is why Geno dipped down into a lower level of recruit (not top 25) and knew that Kyla Irwin and Bent were the perfect fit for UConn. The mental and emotional traits come first---then the BBIQ - then the skills. The first two are much more difficult to cultivate. Skills like shooting, passing, and defense can be improved over the years.We've all heard Geno and CD talk about high school players being more and more entitled and less coachable. As I read the article, I thought, This could have been Geno they're complaining about--expecting them to go all out at practice and benching them if they don't. The difference is that he gets the Big Three and Connie Yori doesn't.
wow - some of you folks are so ready to throw Natalie Butler under the bus (with regard to Stevens). I'm sure Auriemma isn't, thankfully. I gotta believe he means it when he says he is looking forward to the challenge of grooming his current roster into a Final Four caliber team in the coming seasons. That would include developing Butler to her fullest potential, much as he did with Steph Dolson. What kind of message does it send to her for him to bring in a high profile "mercenary" as the starting post. The "UConn Way" doesn't strike me as embracing such 'short lease' tactics. Butler, of course, is a transfer herself, but she came aboard with enough eligible seasons (3) for her to develop in the full UConn system. I would think Auriemma would show some commitment to her. She's no Azurra Stevens, but she is the one Auriemma brought to the dance.
wow - some of you folks are so ready to throw Natalie Butler under the bus (with regard to Stevens). I'm sure Auriemma isn't, thankfully. I gotta believe he means it when he says he is looking forward to the challenge of grooming his current roster into a Final Four caliber team in the coming seasons. That would include developing Butler to her fullest potential, much as he did with Steph Dolson. What kind of message does it send to her for him to bring in a high profile "mercenary" as the starting post. The "UConn Way" doesn't strike me as embracing such 'short lease' tactics. Butler, of course, is a transfer herself, but she came aboard with enough eligible seasons (3) for her to develop in the full UConn system. I would think Auriemma would show some commitment to her. She's no Azurra Stevens, but she is the one Auriemma brought to the dance.
I happen to think that Butler will be a much improved player next season but that doesn't preclude my interest in securing Azura Stevens for 2017/2018. If you look at most of the top teams heading into next season, they each have a minimum of three post players on their rosters that will get some playing time. UConn will have just one true post player and will be seriously undersized against much of their better competition. I realize that Geno is a master tactician and will figure out ways to nullify this size advantage but it would sure be nice to have prove 6'4' big who can play inside and out.....
Stevens would only play one year with Natalie with the transfer rules - it is not a vote of no confidence, but a succession plan albeit a one year succession plan. She is a great player, who wouldn't listen if she wanted to come to their school regardless of who else is on the roster.
Taya Reimer tweeted 1 hour ago that she will be enrolling at Michigan State
I agree with all you say---Agreed. I understand Geno's posture on transfers. BUT...If he does not have a "legitimate" post player in the tubes, poised to step into the "on deck" circle, then he may want to seriously consider approaching her to ascertain if there is any interest in her coming to Storrs. Her athletic qualifications are impeccable. She's an experienced blue chip post player looking for a new home. Coming from Duke, her scholastic aptitude will be above reproach. I agree that getting Stevens would be a short term solution to the void the huskies have at the post position, Natalie Butler not withstanding. Think of where UConn would be next year if Butler had not transferred in.